How many ozone molecules can be destroyed by one atom of chlorine?

One atom of chlorine can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules. This is due to the unique chemical properties of chlorine in the atmosphere. When chlorine is released into the stratosphere, it enters a reaction cycle that allows it to act as a catalyst in the depletion of ozone.

Initially, when an ozone molecule is broken down by chlorine, the chlorine atom reacts with one of the oxygen atoms in the ozone (O3) to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and an oxygen molecule (O2). The chlorine monoxide can then react with a free oxygen atom (O) to release the chlorine atom again, allowing it to continue participating in the reaction cycle. This regenerative aspect means one chlorine atom can continue to destroy ozone molecules over and over, leading to the potential destruction of a very large number of ozone molecules before it is finally removed from the atmosphere.

This mechanism highlights the severe impact that even small quantities of chlorine can have on atmospheric ozone levels, emphasizing the importance of regulating substances that release chlorine into the atmosphere as part of efforts to protect the ozone layer.